Bangladesh wants peace, not war: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Wednesday Bangladesh does not want any war with any country as it works for peace, reports UNB.

"We don't want war; we want peace. We run the State following the principle of 'friendship to all malice to none'. Now I can say Bangladesh has cordial and friendly relations with most of the countries of the world," she said.

The Prime Minister said this while delivering her speech at the graduation ceremony of Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) 2018 at Sheikh Hasina Complex of Mirpur Cantonment.

Terming the country's armed forces the symbol of independence, Sheikh Hasina said they are now much more developed, efficient and intelligent having modern training and equipment.

Alongside carrying out the noble responsibility of protecting the country's independence and sovereignty, the members of the armed forces are also making significant contributions towards tackling natural disasters, she said.

"They've also been assisting the civil administration for the county's development activities, construction of infrastructures, elimination of militancy and terrorism, and maintaining the law and order," she said.

Commandant of the College Maj Gen AKM Abdullahil Baquee delivered the welcome speech.

A total of 266 officers, including 136 officers from Army, 40 from Navy and 22 from Air Force, and 68 from various countries of the world graduated from this college this year.

On her arrival, the Prime Minister was received by the commandant of the College.

Sheikh Hasina directed the graduated officers of the Armed Forces to be ready to undertake higher leadership role as well as be more confident in facing any challenge.

The Prime Minister also asked the members of the Armed Forces to earn name and fame abroad with their honesty, dedication and professionalism.

She mentioned that the armed forces are contributing significantly towards peacekeeping, social development and spreading education in various countries under the emblem of UN mission brightening image of the country.

Hasina also elaborated various steps of her government for the development of the Army, Navy and the Air Force to enhance their capability and modernise the forces further and thus contribute to global peace.

Referring to the victory in the maritime boundary cases, Hasina said the Navy has been made a three-dimensional force for utilising huge sea resources there as the potential 'Blue Economy' door has been opened following the victory.

He said the government wants to utilise the huge marine resources for the development of the country.

The Prime Minister expressed her satisfaction as a remarkable number of female officers are graduating every year which clearly indicates 'women empowerment' in the Armed Forces and of Bangladesh as well.

She expressed her firm belief that the knowledge the graduating officers acquired through this course will make them more confident in discharging assigned duties.

Hasina said Bangladesh is going to emerge a developing country in March next against the backdrop of meeting all the three parameters required to be graduated from the LDC Group, and the country will be able to move ahead keeping pace with other nations.

The Prime Minister vowed toturn Bangladesh into a poverty-free middle-income country by 2021 at the Golden Jubilee of the country's great independence, and a developed one by 2041.